Ask any mom and they’ll tell you that baby swings could be a life-saver. Infants enjoy swaying, swinging, and rocking feelings, so the best baby swing provides these soothing options. When mama needs a break, she can put the baby down in the swing and take a nap or a shower.

Little babies often cry when they are put down but using a baby swing helps reduce stress and crying. The gentle movements lull your baby to sleep so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Sounds great, right?

5 Best Baby Swings

The DreamGlider by Graco acts as a gliding swing seat that doubles as a sleeper. The gentle motion soothes your little one to sleep. You can recline the seat into a sleeper with a pull of a lever. With three adorable, overheard toy owls to entertain your kid, the baby swing is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Graco DreamGlider Features

Safety

All of the DreamGlider focuses on is safety. In traditional swings, babies aren’t recommended to sleep because it could lead to positional asphyxiation. Graco created the DreamGlider that gently lowers the baby’s seat to create a cozy sleeping space so your baby can continue resting. You can recline the seat with a one-hand motion. No need to move your baby!

We also like that there’s a three-point harness for safety that stays hooked when your baby leans back in this glider. Also, the sides of such gliders are mesh for better air ventilation.

Weight Limit

The DreamGlider is recommended for infants 5.5 to 30 pounds, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it!

Swing Speed Settings

Graco has several options for parents. It uses the typical gliding motion but it also features two-speed vibration, six swinging speeds, classical melodies, and nature sounds to keep your baby calm and comfortable.

Power Source

Parents can either plug the swing into an outlet or use batteries, whichever is most convenient for you.

Easy to Clean

Unfortunately, Graco does recommend that you use warm water and soap to wipe down the glider. That’s a bummer. You CAN wash some if it in the washing machine, but parts of the swing are unremovable.

PROS:

Mesh sides for ventilation when baby snoozes

Easy to assemble

Many functions and settings to try

Soothing motions

Baby can sleep laying down

CONS:

Doesn’t lay totally flat

Can’t take off some of the fabric

Verdict

The DreamGlider is a highly flexible swing as it is easy to switch from seat to sleep position. Just use a hand lever for fast reclining in one motion. 6 gliding speeds allow soothing your baby with a gradual pace. Both plug-in and battery charging options are set.

The Graco Simple Sway is a simple, budget-friendly swing that still has all of the necessary features and some really awesome perks! The gentle, side-to-side motion keeps your baby calm and happy. It has adjustable settings that you can set based on your baby’s preferences.

Graco Simple Sway Features

Safety

For safety, Graco added a five-point harness to keep your baby in the swing safely

Weight Limit

Graco set the weight limit for this swing to be 5.5 to 30 pounds, so you can use it from birth upwards of a year old.

Swing Speed Settings

Parents will love all of the different settings available. There’re two vibration settings on the gear. It offers six different swing speeds, so you can pick the one that works best for your baby. Also, this swing plays 10 classical melodies and five nature sounds to keep baby calm.

Power Source

The Simple Sway can be plugged in or battery operated, which means you can move the swing around the house as you need. It’s lightweight enough that moving it from room to room isn’t a huge deal! If you do opt to use batteries, you will need 5 D batteries, and it drains them fast!

Easy to Clean

Keeping the Simple Sway clean is simple. You can remove the head support as long as the entire seat pad for machine washing.

PROS:

Affordable

Multiple settings available

Comfortable for baby

Lightweight, easy to move

CONS:

Lacks head support for newborns

The seat cover is hard to remove

Verdict

The Graco Simple Sway has a side-to-side swinging design to calm your baby. 2-speed vibrations help you keep your little one relaxed for long. It comes with super cozy head support for maximum comfort.

Your little cuddle bug will absolutely love this snuggly and soft baby swing that cradles, soothes, and entertains your baby. We like that the swing also allows us to change the seat position. It can recline or be upright. It can face left, right, or center while in motion. Most swings don’t get that feature, and it allows you to find the perfect way to soothe your baby.

Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Features

Safety

For safety, there is a five-point harness to keep your baby in the swing. Also, the legs are wide, creating a stable support for the swing.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this swing is 25 pounds, which is a bit lower than other options. However, even at 25 pounds, you should have at least six months of use for this swing. You can use it from birth on with the included head support and deep recline.

Swing Speed Settings

You can pick from six different speed settings all while in whatever position you choose. It also offers 16 soothing tunes, gentle nature sounds, and a motorized mobile. The little animals dance over your kid’s head, entertaining your baby, along with a mirrored globe.

Power Source

FIsher-Price created their swing with parents in mind, and they knew parents like options. You can use the included 120-volt AC adapter to save on batteries. The other option is 4D batteries if you aren’t near a plug.

Easy to Clean

The seat pad is removable and machine washable. It’s a bit tricky, at first, to get the seat off, but after the first time, you’ll understand.

PROS:

Multiple seat positions

Has two reclining positions

Babies love the mirror and mobile

Various speeds

CONS:

The motor isn’t totally silent

Might be difficult to assemble

Not very portable

Verdict

The Fisher-Price product has 2 different soothing options – side-to-side and head-to-toe. So you can differ your swinging for extra soothing. And 6 swing speeds with 12 songs will help surprise your baby every time.

Ingenuity creates one of the best portable baby swings, available in five different patterns. It’s perfect for home or traveling. We love the two plush toys for entertainment. It offers a comfortable recline with two different positions. Despite the small footprint, Ingenuity made sure that the portable swing offers everything that a little one could need!

Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Features

Safety

For safety, Ingenuity added a five-point harness, non-slip feet, and a contoured headrest to protect your newborn baby’s delicate neck. Putting infants in and out of the swing can be tricky since it’s so low to the ground, so Ingenuity added foam to the toy bar just in case you bump your baby’s head!

Weight Limit

Because the Cozy Kingdom is a portable swing, the weight limit tends to be lower. The weight limit is 20 pounds, which is sufficient but not amazing.

Swing Speed Settings

The Cozy Kingdom has six different speeds that will maintain even as your baby grows older. This swing has a time with three settings – 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Parents love that and it saves on battery life. It also plays calming melodies. Another fascinating feature is that it has an automatic shut off which is great for moms with mom’s memory!

Power Source

You can only use batteries with the Cozy Kingdom. It uses 4 C batteries. Unfortunately, it’s a huge battery sucker.

Easy to Clean

Keeping the Cozy Kingdom clean is easy! Take off the cover, remove the straps and seat frame, then put it in the washing machine. You have to wash on a gentle, cold cycle, and you can tumble dry on a low setting.

If the high-tech baby gear is your thing, the MamaRoo is perfect for you. It’s one of the only Bluetooth enabled swing that can control motion and sound. It also has an MP3 plug-in, and your baby will love the interactive toys. 4Moms added a rattle, a crinkle toy, and a mirror, along with reversible toy balls.

4moms mamaRoo 4 Features

Safety

The MamaRoo has a three-point harness plus an infant seat that cradles your newborn. We love the infinite recline. You can lay the seat back deeply if that’s what your kid prefers.

Weight Limit

You can use the MamaRoo from birth up to 25 pounds. We did hope that it would have a higher weight limit, like 30 pounds, but it should last for at least six months for you.

Swing Speed Settings

MamaRoo stands out because it has so many different motions and speed options. It has five unique bounce and sways features and speeds. Unlike a typical swing, the MamaRoo uses movements that babies like the most – a ride in the car, kangaroo, Rockabye, wave, and tree swing.

Power Source

MamaRoo only allows you to use an AC adapter. It doesn’t take any form of batteries at all. That means the MamaRoo is not portable. Plus, at 19lbs, it’s far from the lightest option on the list.

Easy to Clean

4Moms used smooth, nylon fabric that is wash machine friendly. You never have to worry that you might accidentally shrink the fabric. It’s so easy to wash!

Verdict

The 4moms swing has a concise design and great functionality. It comes with 5 unique swinging options and 4 sounds for better soothing. And if it’s not enough, just connect via Bluetooth and play your favorite music.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Swings

Is a Baby Swing Necessary?

No, you don’t HAVE to buy a baby swing. You can make it through parenting without one, unlike diapers. Diapers you definitely need to have.

Even though it’s not a necessity, baby swings are awesome to have because babies often love the motion of it. It can give moms and dads a few minutes of peace to cook a meal or take a shower since it probably been a few days.

Don’t worry; we don’t judge. We’ve all been together before.

When you have a baby who will only sleep in your arms or when being moved, you just need a few minutes to yourself in that 24 hour day. You probably see a majority of the 24 hours too. We definitely think that a baby swing is worth even a few minutes of peace each day. If it helps you retain just a bit of your sanity, get one!

Can Babies Safely Sleep in a Swing?

Since these swings are so cozy, it’s fine that your baby wants to take a snooze in the swing. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that swings are not meant for safe sleep. If your baby does fall asleep, it’s a wise idea to put him into his crib as soon as you notice.

Baby swings are NOT meant for unsupervised sleep. If your baby snoozes in it while you’re watching closely nearby, that’s one thing – still not recommended. However, letting your baby sleep in the swing at night unsupervised isn’t a good idea.

The answer is because the position of a swing can cause a baby to suffocate. It’s called positional asphyxiation. If your kid’s chin is towards his chest, he is at risk for this, which is why experts don’t recommend them for sleep.

When Can I Start Using a Baby Swing?

Most baby swings can be used as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. If you do want to use it from birth on, make sure that it has a deep recline. Your newborn has no control over his head, so he needs to be deeply cradled. Also, the swing should include some sort of infant insert that cuddles small babies and keeps them in place properly.

How Long Can a Baby Use a Swing?

Most experts recommend that a baby only stays in a swing for an hour a day. However, there are no hard and fast rules around how long a baby can use a swing. That doesn’t mean you should leave your baby in it all day long. Your baby needs to be in different positions throughout the day to lower the possibilities of a flat head.

For the long term, babies should stop using a swing when they’re able to sit up on their own. Once they can sit up, most babies start to fight to be in the swing. He can easily sit up and topple right out of it. It becomes a safety hazard.

Are There Safety Guidelines for Using a Baby Swing?

Yes! Baby swings, for the most part, are safe for little ones, but there are a few things you should remember.

Pay attention to weight and age guidelines for the product you choose. The guidelines are set for a reason. You might think that the swing is able to hold five pounds more, and probably it could. However, the manufacturer never tested to that weight limit so you can’t be sure. Don’t risk it!

Always keep an eye on your baby, especially as he gets older and starts to move. If your kid can wiggle free, it’s time to get rid of the swing.

Never place the swing, even a compact one, on an incline or a table. Your baby could possibly fall down, and that’s not a risk worth taking.

Try to keep the swing in an area free from dogs and other pets that could topple it over. If you have a toddler, try to keep them away from the baby in the swing.

Portable or Full-Size Swing: What’s Better?

One of the biggest decisions is deciding whether you want a portable or full-size swing. Let’s take a look at both sizes! It’s truly a personal decision.

Full-Sized Swing

If you have a specific area or room in mind that you want to keep the swing and don’t plan to move it, a full-size swing is a good pick. You do want to make sure you have room to store it. It’s a smart idea to take the measurements that the manufacturer’s lists to make sure it’ll fit!

Full-size swings also have great movements because the motor is at the top and they’re taller. They do tend to be more durable and harder to tip over, but they are expensive!

Portable Swing

Whether you travel a lot or are on a budget, portable swings are good options. They’re more affordable and don’t take up as much space in your house. However, portable swings typically only run on battery power, so you’ll need to replace the batteries often. Expect to drop some dollars on those! If you do travel a lot, a portable swing can fit into any hotel room.

Baby Swing and Baby Glider - What's the Difference?

There’s a huge bunch of modern baby gear that first-time parents could be muddled about. Baby sleeper choosing is not an exception. You may be faced with different product names like “baby swing” or “baby glider“, so what’s the difference?

Originally, baby gliders are designed to move back and forth, otherwise, swings tend to move from side to side. But nowadays, most brands are combining these two options to give their customers a multifunctional product to fit everybody’s needs and willings. That’s why we recommend you to read the product’s description very carefully as it might get some extra features you didn’t know about. So the gear called “baby swing” could include sliding features and vise versa.

Besides, most of the baby sleepers promote their functions automatically so you’re able to get extra minutes for cooking, doing business or just resting, and be assured the baby is feeling relaxed and calm.

Criteria Used to Pick the Best Baby Swing

Before you make a purchase, there are a few things you should consider about the best baby swing. We use these criteria to pick our top 5 choices. Then, we lined them up next to each other to see how they stood up next to each other!

Safety

Any swing that you use should have a seat belt – either a three-point or a five-point harness. It’s a necessity because it keeps your baby safe and secure in the swing. Even reclining swings need a seatbelt!

Speaking of recline, if you want to use the swing with an infant under four months old, the swing needs to have an adequate recline. Infants under four months cannot completely control their necks. The swing seat should be reclined enough to stop your baby from slumping over.

The swing that you pick should be JPMA – Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association – certified. Companies voluntarily have their products tested to ensure they meet ASTM International safety standards. The certification assures you that the swing won’t tip over it, unintentionally fold, or that it won’t overheat.

Weight Limit

Take a look at the weight limit of the swing. The higher the weight limit, the longer you can use it. If you purchase it after your baby is born, you can pick one that will let your baby use it for at least four months.

Swing Speed Settings

Some swings offer more speed settings than others. And speed really matters. Some babies love to swing slowly but others like to be swung as if they’re about to launch off into outer space. More options mean a better chance of keeping your baby excited.

Some swings also offer different swinging directions. Most swings move from side to side or front to back. Some brands do both. Consider what type of movement your baby likes the most. If your baby likes to be rocked back and forth, that’s the type of swing you should buy.

Power Source

Swings can run on either battery power or an AC adapter. Some swings have both options, which is super nice. Sometimes, you might want to take the swing with you to Grandma’s house or on vacations, which is when batteries are a great choice. Using an outlet also saves battery power and saves you money.

If you do use batteries, make sure you use rechargeable batteries. Those will be your best friends because it’ll save you money. Most portable swings only run on batteries, and full-size typically offer both power cords and batteries.

Ease of Cleaning

Babies love to make messes whether it’s spit-up or diaper explosions. You need an easy to clean seat. Ideally, you can just toss the seat pad into the washing machine and call it good! Some baby swing seats are coated in a waterproof material, so spills and baby puke won’t soak into the seat. Waterproof coating lets you wipe the seat clean with a wet rag with soap.

You should also consider whether or not you want a portable swing. Some swings can fold up, while others are meant to be stationary in your home. If you do want a swing for traveling or heading to relative’s house, that’s a very specific type of the swing you should consider.

Of course, there are other considerations like if it reclines far enough for a newborn and how comfortable this swing is for your baby.

Few More Things to Consider When Planning to Buy a Baby Swing

Major Baby Swing Features and Benefits

You might be thinking, well, why have baby swings become the go-to baby gear option for parents? Why are they the end all, be all? Well, it relates to the way one is designed and the features that it has, which results in many, many benefits that your baby and you can take advantage of.

The basic design of a baby swing consists of a seat like an area where you can place your kid that is attached to an apparatus, as the name implies, that allows him or her to swing back and forth. The seat itself may or may not be padded, but will always come with some harness to make sure your little one doesn’t accidentally fall down. It will look very, very similar to what you would see at a real playground, just scaled down so it can be easily placed within your home.

Here’s a list of some features that a baby swing can have:

A seat that sits straight up, or reclines, that may or may not be covered in soft, plush padding.

If the seat is covered with soft, plush padding, that padding will generally be removable and machine washable.

Some have a removable head, neck, and body padding.

An adjustable safety harness. Some are made from nylon, others are made from softer fabrics like felt, and then there are those that are made from nylon, but are covered in a soft fabric.

Swinging motions that can include front-to-back, which is just like how a swing goes at a playground, or side-to-side that replicates a parent holding their baby and swaying them back and forth.

Different swinging speeds. For example, some swings have three speeds, such as low, medium, and high, while others have six variable speeds.

Automatic timers that turn off the swing after a set number of minutes.

Some swings come equipped with music players that play a variety of songs from lullabies to upbeat tunes and more! And, there are those that sound effects while others have lights.

There are those that have overhead mobiles with fun hanging toys.

A few options are foldable and collapsible.

Since a baby swing has so many features, obviously, it has a lot of benefits.

As already pointed out, the main benefit of a baby swing is how it calms your little one with its swinging motion when he or she is stressed or upset.

Provides you with another sleeping option for your little tyke if he or she is having issues sleeping in a crib or bassinet.

It gives you a place to put your baby for a bit if you need free hands to do chores around the house.

You can use it as a place to feed your little one if he or she is older and can hold a bottle. In addition, you can also use it in a pinch to feed your kid solid foods when he or she is even older.

Keeps your baby content, happy, and occupied.

Will provide stimulation for your kid and help with his or her development, especially if you purchase one with a mobile that has hanging toys along with a music player.

Popular Baby Swing Brands

Just like with other items available for purchase, there are brands of baby gear that are much more popular than some of their counterparts. After seeing what brands are available and learning about how people feel about them, the ones we discovered to be the most popular are (in no weighted order):

Bright Stars – has turned into a famous brand because products made by Bright Stars are reasonably priced, but still well made. The only drawback to items manufactured by Bright Stars is that they’re just not as eye-catching and stylish as those as the other brands.

Tiny Love – Out of all of the baby gear companies on the market, this is one of the newest ones to hit the scene. Despite being new, people are buying what Tiny Love makes due to the fact that the gear is nice to look at, dependable, and well-priced.

Graco – A brand that is trusted among parents and caregivers, Graco is known for producing high-quality products that are quite durable. Plus, most of the baby gear made by the company has an appealing look and comes in different color schemes and styles, making it easy to find the right selection to match any decor.

Comfort & Harmony – Is a brand that is middle of them when it comes to all the other brands that are out there. Items from Comfort & Harmony aren’t too expensive, but not necessarily cheap, aren’t the best looking options out there, yet they’re very functional, and they’re also very durable.

Fischer-Price – When people think of baby equipment brands, Fischer-Price is usually the first one that comes to mind. The reason? It’s been around the longest and has a rich tradition in creating top-of-the-line baby items. People trust the brand and can rely on it.

What to Do to Pick the Right Baby Swing

When you’re looking for a baby swing to buy, there some questions you need to ask yourself before you purchase one to ensure you get the right one. Here are some of those to consider:

How much do you plan on using it? If you’re planning on using a baby swing quite a bit, then you’re going to want to get one that’s been known to be durable and long-lasting. To figure this out, go to Amazon and read reviews to see which ones have done well and which ones haven’t.

How much space you have to put it? If you don’t have a lot of space to put a baby swing, then you should consider a smaller one. Make sure to check out the dimensions of the gear that you order to make sure it fits.

What’s your budget? Have a number in mind that you’re willing to pay or can afford to pay, going into your baby swing shopping trip. That way, you won’t waste your time on swings over the budget.

The Bottom Line

Soothing and calming your lovely baby can be difficult at times, and a baby swing like Graco DreamGlider Gliding Swing and Sleeper might become your new best friend in the quest for peace. Many kids find the movements so relaxing that they can calmly hang out in the swing throughout the day awake!

While a baby swing isn’t a necessity, it’s sure a great luxury baby gear item to have at home. If you have a needy or colicky baby, it could be the most invaluable item you purchase! Take a look at the criteria and decide which swing will fit best for your baby.

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